Environmental impacts of New Slussen : A study of the environmental impacts, in particular those related to traffic, of the final rebuilding proposal for Slussen (English)

Abstract [en]

Slussen is a place in central Stockholm that serves both as a recreational area and as a junction between many different modes of transport. The entire construction is worn and therefore needs to be rebuilt. New Slussen is the final rebuilding proposal that will eventually be implemented. The aim and objective of this work is to identify and analyse the environmental impacts caused by New Slussen, particularly those related to traffic. The aim is also to compare this proposal with the zero option and to describe the issue in an objective manner. The work is mainly a literature review.

New Slussen is considered to have the greatest environmental impact on cultural environment and air quality. The cloverleaf shaped traffic design found at Slussen today will not remain, which is considered a great loss of cultural environment. The two bridges between Slussen and the Old Town will be replaced by one new, and the total space designed for car traffic is significantly decreased. More space is devoted for staying, cyclists, pedestrians and public transports. This is positive in terms of climate impact as well as comfort. The human exposure to air pollutants decreases, but the total amount of air pollution is the same in New Slussen as in the zero option. Overall, New Slussen and its traffic solution is an improvement from an environmental perspective.